Poorly Planned Trucking Routes

One of the top causes of accidents are drivers unfamiliar with the area
they are driving in. When a driver is unfamiliar with a road, they not
only can get lost, but can become distracted while trying to navigate.
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles often travel to new destinations
where they will be unfamiliar with the route, which presents a serious
risk, as many drivers will be tempted to look away from the road and down
at a map or directions. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that
approximately 22% of all crashes involving commercial motor vehicles are
caused by drivers who were unfamiliar with the route they were driving.

Avoiding Driver Distraction by Planning Ahead

One reason why truckers fail to plan ahead is because of strict time constraints.

Truckers must get their cargo to its destination on time or risk being
punished by their employer. Although there are hours-of-service regulations
in place so drivers can allot time to rest and plan routes, they often
do not take them. If a driver does not have a global positioning device
(GPS), then it would be best for them to take the time and plan a route
before they embark on their journey. Some drivers are even required to
have paper proof of a route plan, such as drivers carrying
hazardous materials.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are about 4,000
to 5,000 fatal accidents involving large trucks each year. In addition
to this, there are about 77,000 accidents involving large trucks that
result in injuries. If 22% of those accidents are caused by drivers who
poorly planned their routes, this means nearly 17,000 people are injured
and around 1,000 people are killed each year due to drivers unfamiliar
with the roads they were traveling.

Use of Truck Navigation Devices

While many drivers of passenger vehicles use GPS to get around, some GPS
are specially equipped for commercial purposes. In fact, some truck drivers
are required to use GPS systems. This satellite navigation device allows
truckers to stay on the correct route without looking at a map—they
simply have to follow the instructions of their GPS. However, since these
devices are electronic, they are subject to malfunction. A malfunctioning
GPS can cause a driver to become confused. Some GPS used by the trucking
industry also include monitors that can record the amount of time a trucker
is driving. While serving the purpose of safe navigation, these types
of GPS also ensure that drivers are keeping with the federal
hours-of-service and speed regulations.

GPS Devices: Could They Be Causing Truck Accidents?

Not only are GPS devices distracting, but they are not always designed
for commercial trucks, meaning they could navigate truckers down roads
that are not equipped to handle big rigs.

Get the Help of Our Skilled Trucking Accident Lawyer: (888) 490-0442

You may have been involved in a collision with a truck because they quickly
changed their course of direction. Often, when drivers are confused or
lost, they make irrational decisions. When a driver does not pull over
to figure out where they are at, but continues to drive while distracted,
this could present a serious liability. Our firm can help hold liable
parties accountable.

Office Location

Contact Us

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

The verdicts and settlements listed on this site are intended to be representative
of cases handled by Arnold & Itkin LLP. These listings are not a guarantee
or prediction of the outcome of any other claims